One of Valencia's oldest and most beloved taverns (1836) in the El Cabanyal district, renowned for its exceptional wine list of 600+ labels and traditional tapas. A favourite among local food lovers.
Casa Montaña is one of Valencia's oldest and most cherished taverns, established in 1836 in the El Cabanyal fishing district on Carrer de Josep Benlliure. Now operated by the Emiliano family, the bodega has built a national reputation over nearly two centuries for combining outstanding traditional tapas with a wine cellar of extraordinary depth — more than 600 references spanning the full breadth of Spanish and international producers, with particular strength in aged Riojas, Priorat, and natural wines from the Levante. The ground-floor bar is a standing experience: shelves of tinned conservas (high-quality canned seafood), hanging jamón, and ceramic barrels frame a zinc bar where glasses are poured with conviction and generosity. The more formal dining room at the rear accommodates seated lunches and dinners with a fuller menu of traditional Valencian dishes: salt cod preparations, cured meats from Iberian breeds, aged cheeses, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Tinned conservas — percebes, mussels, razor clams, sea urchin — are sourced from premium Galician and Cantabrian producers and served directly from the tin as a mark of quality. The atmosphere shifts from busy lunchtime bar crowd to a more intimate evening tavern. El Cabanyal is a twenty-minute walk from the old town or a short tram ride, making it easy to build a neighbourhood afternoon around Casa Montaña. Reservations for the dining room are recommended; bar space is walk-in only.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
C/ de Josep Benlliure, 69, 46011 Valencia
Highlights
- Tavern dating to 1836 in El Cabanyal — Valencia's oldest continuously operating wine bar
- Over 600 wine references, with exceptional depth in aged Riojas and Priorat
- Premium tinned conservas — percebes, sea urchin, razor clams — served direct from the tin
- Standing bar area for spontaneous visits; seated dining room for longer meals
- National reputation among Spanish food writers and wine enthusiasts
Tips for visiting
- Visit for a weekday lunch to enjoy the dining room without weekend crowds.
- Order conservas from the display shelf — the staff will guide selections based on what is freshest.
- The wine list is long but well organised; ask for the sommelier's current favourite discovery.
- El Cabanyal is easily combined with a beach walk along Malvarrosa — the shoreline is a 10-minute stroll.
- Bar standing room is not bookable; arrive early on Friday and Saturday evenings to secure a spot.
Accessibility
The ground-floor bar area at Casa Montaña is accessible at street level, though the standing bar can be cramped during busy periods. The dining room at the rear is also on the ground floor. Guests with mobility requirements should phone ahead to confirm seating arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Casa Montaña different from other tapas bars in Valencia?
Casa Montaña's combination of 600+ wine references, premium conservas, and nearly two centuries of history sets it apart. The wine cellar in particular is considered one of the finest in any Spanish tavern.
Can visitors just drink without ordering food?
Yes. The bar is a proper wine bar and standing drinks are welcome. Conservas and light snacks are usually ordered alongside wine but a full meal is not required.
Is El Cabanyal difficult to reach from Valencia city centre?
No. The Cabanyal tram stop on line 4 (Pont de Fusta direction) drops visitors close to the tavern. A taxi from the old town takes around ten minutes.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended for the dining room, especially at weekends. The bar is walk-in only and no reservations are taken for standing space.